Earn a lot of money, high-status symbol, lavish lifestyle, and passion for finance.
Becoming an investment banker (IB) is not a cakewalk. Investment banking firms seek individuals who are intelligent, proactive, and hardworking. Having stellar academics is one of the topmost priorities of choosing candidates for their firms.
The demand for investment banking professionals is on the rise. However, getting into IB firms is not anymore limited to stellar academics or getting the right education. Despite the given talent pool such firms intend to choose their talents from, there’s still a lot of talent out there to make the right choice. IB firms are very picky when it comes to choosing the right candidate for their firm. But that does not mean you have no chance of getting into the IB career.
Follow the below steps to help you break into an investment banking career:
Applying skills to learn during the education process is not enough to attain a career in the IB firm. Most often, employers seek intuitive talent and those with great analytical skills. There’s no step by step guide to land a career in investment banking. Most candidates start developing passion while in the school itself.
However, IB jobs undergo rather a strict career trajectory. Though passion is ingrained in school, the right journey begins with earning a relevant undergraduate degree in finance or economics. There are chances for you to get into IB with this degree, but they will either be for junior-level job roles. Not to mention, earning an MBA with an additional certification in IB is an ideal way to start a career in the industry. If you’re still confused, you can follow the below steps and choose the one that best fits your criteria.
Earn a relevant education
Most professions hire candidates from an unrelated field. But it is not the same case in investment banking. you will need to have an undergraduate degree or an MBA in related fields like finance, portfolio management, economics, accounting, financial analysis, and investment management.
In the competitive job market, you will need more than just an education – be a top ranker of your class, pursue a related minor or graduate from a top b institution.
Go beyond formal education: earn a certification program
Going for a banking certification program is indeed one way to stay in sync with the current trends, and stay updated with the latest skills. As an aspiring banking professional, earning a certification could keep you ahead of your peers and competitors. Through such programs, you get the opportunity to apply practical skills in real-life deals and transactions. While employers expect their candidates to have the first-hand experience, helping you with such opportunities gives you better privilege while seeking jobs.
Getting into IB firms are challenging and tough, but a certification program could add as a booster to the candidate’s resume.
Get an internship
Besides education, you could opt for an internship as well, secure one, or maybe two internships. Though you get to gain hands-on experience and learn the work culture of the organization, there’s no guarantee the employer may hire you once you’re done with the internship program.
However, if you’re lucky the organization might just offer you your first job once the internship period is complete.
Start building an online presence
You need to make sure your skills reach the right recruiters and employers. This could be possible only if you have made your presence felt within the online community. You have networking websites where you can send your resume, stay connected with recruiters, and top banking firms.
Follow the trends and stay updated with the latest skills. If the employer is interested in your profile they will surely hire you.
